Our People
Meet Bill DiGuiseppi
Denver, Colorado, U.S.
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For more than 37 years—including over a decade with Jacobs—Bill DiGuiseppi has applied his geology and hydrogeology expertise to some of the most complex environmental challenges across the globe.
After establishing himself as a 1,4-dioxane subject-matter expert starting in 2000, Bill turned his attention to the next emerging threat: per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Since 2011, he’s been a global technical leader, advising teams in more than a dozen countries and actively contributing to U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)–funded research on PFAS characterization, fate and transport, and treatment technologies.
“I found the PFAS challenge exciting because of the steep learning curve for this complex group of contaminants. After 25 years addressing chlorinated solvent problems, I was ready for new issues to challenge my thinking.”
Career Highlights
Bill has supported a wide range of U.S. federal agencies, including the Department of Defense (DOD)- Air Force, Navy and Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Energy, NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration. Internationally, he’s contributed to projects for Australian Defence, the Canadian Department of National Defence, and the U.K. Environment Agency.
He’s also helped Fortune 500 clients in the oil and gas, chemical, and manufacturing sectors tackle their toughest environmental cleanup projects.
Among his many achievements:
- Launched CH2M’s Emerging Contaminants Practice, which won the Environmental Business International Technology Merit Award in 2017
- Supported the development of Subgrade Biogeochemical Reactors, which earned the CH2M CEO Excellence Award (2017) and the NICOLE Technology Award for Innovation (2015)
- Contributed to Jacobs' award-winning PFAS Risk Screening Project with the U.K. Environment Agency
- Recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Environmental Business Journal for a distinguished career in addressing contamination and emerging environmental challenges
Get to know Bill
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2012
year he started his journey with the company that’s now Jacobs
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7
number of Colorado’s 14,000’ peaks climbed
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- 35 °F
coldest temperature experienced in the field (Galena, Alaska) (and 107°F was the hottest in Chicago, Illinois)
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21
number of residential access ramps built for disadvantaged people with mobility challenges
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100
number of school kids Bill has led on Dinosaur Ridge Tours
What motivates you in your work?
I’m driven by the idea of leaving things better than I found them—whether I’m picking up trash on my neighborhood walks, helping clean up the South Platte River in Denver or remediating contaminated sites around the world. I also enjoy staying ahead of the curve. For example, I began testing PFAS field screening methods in 2015 and recently helped win a Navy research project to test a molecular-imprinted polymer kit that detects perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)- a type of PFAS- at 1 part per trillion. Once validated, this tool will save clients time and money.
What’s your favorite part of the role?
Mentorship. I’ve supported people at all stages—from new graduates to executives— helping dozens of professionals grow into more impactful roles. Their gratitude keeps me inspired to keep mentoring others.
Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by the creative scientists in government and academia—especially those at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Geological Survey, DOD and research universities like Oregon State University, the University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA), Clarkson University, the University of Arizona, and Colorado School of Mines (where I’m an adjunct). These professionals are often the unsung heroes of environmental progress.
What advice would you give to young professionals?
Find people doing work you’re interested in and offer to help—freely. That’s how I learned more and built trust and respect within the industry. I’ve invested thousands of volunteer hours, and it’s paid back through lasting relationships, professional respect and meaningful contributions.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Along with hiking, skiing, biking and car racing, I recently started leading school groups as a guide at Dinosaur Ridge National Natural Landmark just outside Denver. It’s a rewarding way to stay active, connect with others and share science in a beautiful outdoor setting.
